The Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill says the figures are very positive and underline the continuing commitment of prosecutors, police, government and partners working with young people to tackle knife crime.

BBC: Man in a hoodie holding a knife

"The significant drop in the number of knife offences during the Crown Office festive campaign is very positive and underlines the continuing commitment of prosecutors, police, government and partners working with young people to tackle knife crime, " he said.

BBC: Man in a hoodie holding a knife

The issue of knife crime and what is being done to tackle it has been discussed at a conference in Glasgow.

BBC: Knife crime tops agenda at National Youth Summit